Time off from work

Hi all,

Just wanted to know, how long did you take time off from work?  My surgery date is 10/29/10 and I'm planning to be back at work on 11/8/10.  Is that a realistic timetable?  I work as an admin. asst. for a construction company, so i do not do anything strenuous.  I do walk the long corridor though, but that shouldn't be a big deal. 

Thanks,  Sara

Hi Sara,

I was off for six weeks and I was glad that I had that time. It might depend
on what surgery you are having? I had the Gastric Bypass (lap) and there
was a lot of adjustment in the first few weeks as far as eating goes, I was
glad that I took the six weeks because by the time I went back to work I was
eating solid food.

Everyone is different but your body does go through a lot of changes especially
right after surgery. I also did not have a strenous job but as with any surgery it
takes awhile to get back to feeling like yourself.

Good Luck to you!
Katie

Thanks Katie...i'm having the rny too..  I'm wishing and hoping for no complications, but you never know.  i do know that i get bored easily at home and i'm sick for saying this...but i would rather be at work.  lol   there is only so much washing, cleaning that i can do..

The biggest problem is you will be on a liquid diet for 1 week at least and you know when all you put in I started just staying in our bedroom laying on a couple of towels until it got better. I know that is TMI, but you will really want to think of that. It you have the time off I would use it. Some people go straight back to work. I am retired so I did not have to worry about that. Talk with your Doc and make the decision. Remember you are having major surgery even if it does not feel like it.

Sara,

 I have been gathering information on the boards since April, and I have seen some go back to work short of a month, but they are fatigued big time, and depending upon what you do, it could reflect in your job performance. Being mostly liquids to begin with, then stage 2, then stage 3, when your doctor allows then come the later stages. I have friends push the envelope at work, do not take their supplements, get dehydrated and then end up back on fluids and squishy food.

 Consider : Listen to the seasoned members of the board, they know much more than I do. It is your choice of course, it is the mom in me... just wanting your surgery to healed,, and you use to what you can tolerate food and water and fluid wise when you do go back to work. 

 Just a thought.......Perhaps you can come back very limited hours... at first, but only 10 days, is not realistic, in MY opionion.

Anyway, good luck ... my surgery is next week... actually 5 days (wednesday)

Hey Sara -

Everyone has different experiences. I am getting ready to go back to work on Tuesday.  I will have had 5 weeks off.  I am really glad I had the time to adjust & get used to eating.  The hardest part after is getting all of your fluids in.  I agree with Kristen, if you have to go back that soon, maybe if at all possible go back 1/2 days for a week or two.  

Hi

I only took  one and half weeks off.  I flew to Cincinnati exactly 11 days after surgery (RNY lap).  I had no problems but everyone is different.  I had no problems adjusting and was on soft foods when I traveled.  I ate egg salad, tuna  and soup most of the week I was gone.  Good luck!

Sara

Congrats on your upcoming surgery date, how exciting!!!

I took 2 1/2 weeks off for surgery and I work in Human Resources.  My surgeon would have given me more time off had I wanted but for me I was ready to get back to work and something more structured and had no issues following surgery.  Walking after surgery is SO important and really helps with the healing process. 

You are going to do great, and get prepared ofr a wild ride to health and a wonderful journey ahead.

Hiugs,
Barb

I had my surgery September 14 and went back to work September 27.  I worked each day till I was tired - 5 or 6 hours -  and then went home.  I am an accountant, very low activity level.  I felt just fine, but I was determined not to overdo it and make myself sick, so I was very careful about my hours.  As long as you have a microwave and refrigerator available to keep your food in, you shouldn't have a problem with lunch, and there are plenty of ready to drink protein supplements available.  Just be prepared with small containers for your food, and protein drinks.  And, don't push yourself.  this is supposed to be the start of a great new chapter in your life, not a period of pain and struggle!

 Hi Sara,

As you can read, going back to work is very different for everyone.  I was off 3 weeks by choice.  I had the bypass (RNY).  Personally I felt I could go back to work 2 days later.

I work for an Elect. Contractor and I run the show in the office and hold many titles there.  Aside from knowing that I would be on a liquid diet for 3 weeks and having to run to the potty every 5 minutes, going back to work that early would have just drained me in 1/2 hour.  Most days I don't even have my purse down or a cup of coffee.  Needless to say, my cell phone, and home phone constantly rang with calls from the office (both owners (husband&wife)).  I kept both phone on the bed next to me and after 2 days of this I told them "No calls b/4 9am, 10a-12p, 2p-4p.  This allowed me time to sleep, eat, and run to the potty.  It also allowed me time to get up and go for a walk every now and then.  

Every surgeon has a different program and my surgeon is adamant about 3 weeks on liquid.  Think about it, LIQUID IN, LIQUID OUT.  You will find that you need to be near the bathroom and for this reason I chose to stay home for the liquid phase.

Best of luck to you on your upcoming surgery, and keep us posted.  You will be posting on your weight loss before your know it.